HUNDREDS of flood victims face spending Christmas away from their homes in the aftermath of last month’s disaster.

A total of 2,239 businesses and homes were affected by the flooding, which cut a multi-million pound trail of devastation across the county, and also cost police officer Bill Barker his life.

And figures released by Cumbria County Council show hundreds of homes will be uninhabitable for some time, leaving at least 350 people staying with friends and relatives, or living in caravans, holiday homes and B&Bs this Christmas and New Year.

That number could be even higher too, as many may not have contacted officials to ask for help.

However, while they may not be able to enjoy home comforts this yuletide, charity and civic leaders have revealed how the community has made an extra push to make December 25 comfortable for everyone.

Judi Evans, operations director for British Red Cross, said: “The community is definitely responding to the situation and making a huge effort.

“The Welfare Recovery Group is overseeing the recovery of places hit, including Cockermouth, Workington, Ulverston and Keswick and all manner of things have been planned from Christmas parties and lunches to setting up 24/7 pager helplines over the Christmas period.

“So many different charities are involved as well as us too, such as Churches Together and the Salvation Army. We are all working hard together.

“Cumbria isn’t sitting back and waiting for things to happen . . . the community as a whole is getting on with it.”

As affected residents have been coming forward asking for help, Allerdale Borough Council has been busy matching them with suitable new accommodation.

And plenty of people with rooms – or even holiday homes – to spare have responded to make sure everyone has a roof over their head.

Around 18 holiday lettings, 105 houses and caravans, 65 spare rooms, four housing association properties and 12 care home rooms have been on offer to those in need.

A council spokeswoman said: “People have been very generous by opening up their homes.

“Many will be out of their homes for months and months, and we expect the number of those displaced to go up after Christmas when people look for longer-term solutions rather than continuing to stay with friends and family.”

Cllr Jim Buchanan, Leader of Cumbria County Council, commended the huge amount of work being carried out.

“Everywhere you look there’s dedicated people beavering away efficiently, coming up with solutions to the problems that our communities face, going at it with a ‘can-do’ attitude and steadily restoring life back to normal.

“People have selflessly worked long hours in difficult conditions. It’s been an inspiration to see how well everyone has clubbed together and I’d like to thank everyone for their efforts so far.”